#413 – True Ending
Alliance of Humanity Council.
“With 300 present, 300 in attendance, and 300 in favor, we will approve the ascension of the great leader of the Alliance, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, to Emperor.”
In a gathering of all national representatives, the chairman of the Alliance Council passed the resolution for Emperor Kim Deok-Sung.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.
Bang bang bang.
The sound of the gavel resonated in the Assembly Hall amid the members’ standing ovation.
Soon after the resolution passed, a public vote for the ascension of Kim Deok-Sung to Emperor was conducted across the Alliance.
“Long live Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, Emperor of the Alliance!”
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung is the beacon of humanity and the leader of the Alliance. He must lead us forever!”
“Long live Kim Deok-Sung!”
“Kim Deok-Sung is a god! Kim Deok-Sung is a god! Kim Deok-Sung is a god!”
“Finally, this day has come… The day I will crown the Savior with my own hands. I am so moved… *sniff*.”
In Earth-2, where Kim Deok-Sung is viewed as the Savior and leader of the Alliance, enthusiastic support and approval votes were pouring in.
That day.
When the enemy of humanity, Messiah, was vanquished.
Due to the lingering connection among the 7.7 billion souls of humanity, the people of Earth-2 unconsciously regarded Kim Deok-Sung as their Savior and living god.
Therefore, the vote for Emperor Kim Deok-Sung’s ascension was viewed merely as a formality for the Savior to reclaim his rightful position.
Of course, the fact that their single vote contributed to the Savior regaining the illustrious seat of Emperor did not lessen the voter turnout on Earth-2.
This was similarly true for the other settlement planets, including Mars, Venus, and Alpha Centauri, where the people of Earth-2 primarily settled.
Earth-1 was a bit different.
Unlike Earth-2, there was no frenzied support or fanatic approval votes.
However, Kim Deok-Sung’s image was not negative here either.
“Honestly, weren’t the players basically the nobility before the Alliance came?”
“It was a dirty world for ordinary folks like us.”
“Even if he is called an emperor, they say he isn’t a real dictator and rules like a constitutional monarch, maybe it’s better to support him?”
“I’ve benefited a lot from the Kim Deok-Sung Foundation’s welfare projects; should I just vote for him? After all, isn’t he just a figurehead emperor?”
Before the arrival of the Alliance, Earth-1 was a dystopia where players, equipped with status windows and mana, ruled over the dungeons and monopolized the new materials and resources, claiming to protect Earth from them.
The players of Earth-1 largely ignored the opinions of ordinary citizens.
For them, civilians were merely cattle.
Of course, there were a few conscientious players, but most engaged in abuse of power and cruelty, ruling over the masses and the law as privileged nobility.
Under the rule of these new-age nobles, who possessed force, wealth, and power, ordinary individuals groaned in suffering.
Ironically, it was the Alliance of Humanity and its head, Kim Deok-Sung, who liberated the dystopian Earth-1, where democracy had been reduced to mere facade, operating under backdoor politics in collusion with the privileged players.
Unlike the selfish and self-serving players of Earth-1, the heroes of Earth-2 were inherently kind and gentle, protecting the weak and fighting against dungeon monsters and villains.
Earth-1, which had only been exposed to mana and abilities for a mere 10 years, was a stark contrast to Earth-2, where mana had existed since the dawn of human history, enabling them to learn from countless mistakes.
The heroes were beings born to promote co-existence and harmony between augmented and non-augmented individuals.
Given that these heroes were shouting Kim Deok-Sung’s name and that he was also credited with liberating Earth-1’s dystopia, his image was also not bad on Earth-1.
While initially thought to be a dictator, he surprisingly hardly exercised power himself.
And even becoming an emperor simply meant reigning without ruling, so there was no aversion to it.
“We will now begin counting the votes!”
“Progress of vote counting on Earth-2 is at 90%… Currently, 99.9% in favor! 0.1% against!”
“The progress of vote counting on Earth-1 is at 50%… Currently, 55% in favor on Earth-1!”
As the voting results for Kim Deok-Sung’s ascension to Emperor progressed, it was no surprise that the majority was in favor.
With the support of all citizens of the Alliance, Kim Deok-Sung finally attained the position of Emperor he hadn’t even desired.
Earth-1
Former North Korea.
During the cataclysm, unable to withstand the monster wave, it was overrun and transformed into a battlefield by monsters as it succumbed to the otherworldly environment.
However, thanks to the Alliance’s terraforming, the formerly uninhabitable land of former North Korea became livable once again.
In the center of the newly minted Kim Deok-Sung Special City, which was once the capital of the dictatorial regime, a historic event was now taking place.
The majestic Daedong River flowed alongside futuristic skyscrapers, creating a dazzling metropolitan area.
The old pyongyang, once a symbol of dictatorship, had transformed into a stylish city where Kim Deok-Sung statues stood everywhere.
In the blue sky, the name and face of Kim Deok-Sung floated in balloons and airships.
Throughout the streets of Kim Deok-Sung Special City, crowds were gathered, eagerly awaiting his coronation and wedding ceremony.
But that wasn’t all.
The scenery of Kim Deok-Sung Special City was being broadcast in real-time throughout all regions of the Alliance, spanning both Earth-1 and Earth-2.
At the center of it all was Kim Deok-Sung Square.
A massive pyramid-shaped building stood prominently, complemented by a large statue of Kim Deok-Sung in the spacious square established in front of the Alliance palace.
The Savior of Earth-2, protector of all dimensions inhabited by humanity, and Emperor of the Alliance.
It was Kim Deok-Sung.
*
Of all places, Kim Deok-Sung Special City was established in the ominous land of old Pyongyang.
Here I was, suited up in the backstage waiting area behind the hilariously named Kim Deok-Sung Square stage, watching the crowd on the monitor.
I felt dizzy.
Honestly, I didn’t want to deal with being a dictator or emperor, but after being pressured so much, I accepted under the condition of reigning without ruling.
Even so, things had gotten pretty huge.
“Partner, how are you feeling?”
The Black Prince stood beside me in the waiting room.
With his charming black hair, he winked at me.
Indeed.
The Black Prince was officiating both today’s wedding and coronation.
After all, if it weren’t for the Black Prince, there’d be no one else to do this.
“I don’t know, let’s just get it over with.”
“Alright. Let’s start.”
The Black Prince signaled to Yuji, who was next to me.
“Okay, let’s go. Kim, it’s time to start.”
Yuji straightened his suit and left the waiting area.
His role today was as the host.
The monitor in the waiting area showed Yuji standing at the podium.
[Good afternoon! I am the host for today’s wedding and ceremony, the noble Kurosawa Yuji. Thank you to all citizens of the Alliance for joining us here today and those watching live from afar.]
[In a moment, we will begin the ceremony for groom Mr. Kim Deok-Sung and bride Ms. Kurosawa Haru, along with Ms. Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Ms. Shinozaki Rin, Ms. Nishizawa Eri, Ms. Kamiya Makoto, Ms. Hoshino Kasumi, Ms. Saionji Aris, Ms. Mayuzumi Mayu, Ms. Satou Rena, Ms. Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Ms. Yoshizaki Seira, Ms. Beatrice, Ms. Evangelin Stewart, Ms. Bella, Ms. Han Seo-Jin, Ms. Yoo Se-Ra, and Ms. Ishihara Saori, so please take your seats.]
Yuji announced the details as the host.
“Partner. I’m going to go officiate now. Don’t be too nervous. Today is a good day. It’s also a day when our lovely sister is getting married, so remember, if you mess up from being too nervous, I won’t hold back. Ha ha ha ha ha.”
After leaving a not-so-subtle threat, the Black Prince gave my shoulder a light pat and left the waiting area.
Soon after, the monitor displayed the Black Prince standing at the officiant’s podium.
[Now, let us welcome the groom. Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, please enter.]
Yuji’s voice echoed from the monitor.
Joint wedding ceremony.
Finally, the day had come.
I took one last look in the waiting room mirror.
There I was.
A young man with a nervous expression, black hair, and dark eyes.
I stared at my face, adjusted my tuxedo, and stepped out of the waiting room.
Click, click, click!
As soon as I stepped out onto the cursed carpet laid in Kim Deok-Sung Square, countless camera flashes burst all around me.
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung!”
“Take me with you!”
“Your Majesty!”
“Long live Emperor Kim Deok-Sung!”
“Oh my, how is it that I can see the radiant face of Emperor Kim Deok-Sung in person?!”
“Congratulations! Your Majesty!”
From behind me, the crowd was fervently calling my name while sobbing and creating a ruckus.
This is crazy.
As I walked down the carpet, a grand march music began to play.
Boom!
At that moment, a squadron of fighter jets flew up, painting vivid colors in the blue sky with acrobatics.
Standing in front of the podium in my tuxedo, an uproarious cheer erupted.
I locked eyes with the Black Prince standing at the officiant’s seat.
‘Partner. Don’t be too nervous.’
The Black Prince motioned with his lips.
Although I was slightly tense, I felt a bit of relief.
“Next, we will proceed with the entrance of the brides. Ms. Kurosawa Haru, Ms. Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Ms. Shinozaki Rin, Ms. Nishizawa Eri, Ms. Kamiya Makoto, Ms. Hoshino Kasumi, Ms. Saionji Aris, Ms. Mayuzumi Mayu, Ms. Satou Rena, Ms. Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Ms. Yoshizaki Seira, Ms. Beatrice, Ms. Evangelin Stewart, Ms. Bella, Ms. Han Seo-Jin, Ms. Yoo Se-Ra, and Ms. Ishihara Saori, please enter.”
“Please welcome Miss Evangeline Stewart, Miss Bella, Miss Han Seo-Jin, Miss Yoo Se-Ra, and Miss Ishihara Saori.”
Kurosawa Yuji called out each of the heroines’ names one by one.
Look at him, calling out Haru’s name first like a good older brother.
Just as I was thinking that, 17 brides entered at once, accompanied by the wedding march played by an orchestra.
The sight of 17 heroines walking down the carpet in formation, each holding a different design of white bouquet, was spectacular.
Clap.
As the march concluded, the 17 heroines lined up behind me, slightly to my back.
“Ahem. Alright. Let’s get started. Today is February 15th. It marks the historic day when my partner, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, saved the world and humanity from the enemy of mankind, the Messiah. Thus, today is the best occasion for Mr. Kim Deok-Sung’s wedding and coronation.”
The Black Prince delivered the ceremony with a serious expression, quite different from the usual.
Indeed.
Today is February 15th.
The day of my showdown with the Messiah.
“The groom, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, has protected the Earth and humanity from the enemy, the Messiah, uniting mankind through the Human Alliance, ending an era of war and division, and paving the way for an era of peace. The bride, Miss Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, as a princess of France, will succeed the Black Prince and protect France…”
The Black Prince continued with the introductions.
Of course, he’s starting with Olivia, her pitiful cousin.
The Black Prince looked at me after reciting all 17 brides’ profiles.
“Now, let’s proceed to the wedding vows. Groom Kim Deok-Sung, will you take all 17 brides present here—Miss Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Miss Shinozaki Rin, Miss Nishizawa Eri, Miss Kamiya Makoto, Miss Hoshino Kasumi, Miss Saionji Aris, Miss Mayuzumi Mayu, Miss Satou Rena, Miss Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Miss Yoshizaki Seira, Miss Beatrice, Miss Evangeline Stewart, Miss Bella, Miss Han Seo-Jin, Miss Yoo Se-Ra, Miss Ishihara Saori, and Miss Kurosawa Haru—to be your wives, to love and cherish in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white and respect them equally for a lifetime?”
The Black Prince’s gaze was directed at me.
The heroines, or rather, all 17 brides, and the officiant, Kurosawa Yuji.
My mother and father, along with everyone else’s eyes, were all on me.
The wedding vows.
I had already decided my answer.
“Yes, I vow.”
As I nodded, a deafening cheer erupted from the plaza.
The Black Prince smiled slyly at my vow.
“Miss Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, do you vow to love Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
The Black Prince’s gaze shifted towards Olivia.
Olivia, wearing a white veil, with her platinum hair and blue eyes, turned her gaze towards the Black Prince and me.
Her face reddened slightly when our eyes met.
Memories of the time we spent together flashed through my mind.
Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte.
The princess of France, the first heroine I formed a connection with after possessing this body.
While I used her as an ally, it’s true I wouldn’t have made it this far without her quiet support when she could have easily just turned away.
I owed her a debt.
Her tsundere personality didn’t bother me at all.
In fact, I thought it was adorable, a charming point of hers.
I even didn’t mind the talk about her being a personal maid anymore.
I liked that Olivia, who would outwardly grumble yet was secretly fond of me, was the first to support me and waited patiently until she figured out my secrets.
In fact, the reason I rushed to France upon hearing about my engagement was that I didn’t want to lose her.
I liked my first ally and tsundere princess, Olivia.
“Hmph! Who else would take care of that fool if not the personal maid Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte?! Of course, my answer is ‘together!'”
Oh ho ho ho ho ho ho ho!
Olivia laughed triumphantly, covering her face with the bouquet.
Yes, this is the Olivia I know.
“Miss Shinozaki Rin, will you take Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to love him, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
The Black Prince’s gaze shifted this time to Shinozaki Rin.
I could see Rin.
With her neatly tied dark blue ponytail and blue eyes, her cold impression made her a stunning beauty. Her modest white wedding dress couldn’t hide her explosive curves.
Rin’s gaze met mine.
Shinozaki Rin.
My first impression of her, just like with Olivia, wasn’t all that great.
I hadn’t thought much of her back when she randomly started picking fights with me.
While our relationship had cooled during our time at Imgan School, I still found her annoying.
She was a nuisance, harassing me with her family’s orders for an unnecessary courtship.
But after she took care of me on that deserted island during summer school…
From that moment on, maybe I started developing feelings for her.
Perhaps even earlier than that.
And now, Rin had become someone I also liked.
I admired her cooking skills honed just for me, the warm maternal smile she occasionally showed, her strangely bashful yet daring side, and her demeanor as a homemaker.
I liked all of it.
“I am his ideal wife, so naturally, I agree to that.”
Rin smiled faintly as she answered.
“Miss Nishizawa Eri, will you take Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to love him, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
The Black Prince’s voice reached my ears.
This time, I caught sight of Eri.
Dressed in a mini wedding dress, wearing a choke collar around her neck while holding a bouquet, the orange twin-tails girl stood out as the beauty among the 17 heroines.
Nishizawa Eri.
She and I had a significantly different bond from the other heroines.
Due to her fear of men, Eri initially hated me, and our feud culminated with her enduring a punishment suited for her behavior.
To push things further, I even held a disciplinary committee meeting to corner her.
Looking back now, maybe I was a bit too harsh compared to her actions.
But Eri considered me a savior and accepted me as her master.
She even called me kind at times.
It wasn’t a normal perspective, yet, due to the bond we formed, she unexpectedly became indispensable to me.
I still cringe a little when I hear her calls of “master” and see the collar, but nonetheless, I like Eri.
She too is someone I cannot do without in my future.
“Of course, I totally accept! Eri the eternal slave would never refuse my master’s vows!”
Eri declared confidently while touching her collar.
Her orange twin-tails swayed.
This is embarrassing.
Declaring myself as a slave in front of the entire world?
I’m going insane.
“Miss Kamiya Makoto, will you take Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to love him, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
Next was Makoto.
With her short green hair covered by a veil and striking curves rivaling Rin’s, the green-eyed beauty met my gaze and blushed.
I was a bit shocked when I first met her.
She had transferred in earlier than I expected.
Our first meeting in the same room after a roommate request submitted was still fresh in my mind.
I never imagined it’d turn out like this, but as time passed, she too became part of me.
Her short hair and shy demeanor are both cute and charming.
Makoto is, like the other heroines, a precious bride of mine.
“Yes, as that person’s sword, I promise to serve and protect my lord forever!”
Makoto stammered, reddening.
“Miss Hoshino Kasumi, will you take Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to love him, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
The Black Prince’s gaze now landed on Kasumi-senpai.
With her long purple hair down to her waist and an impressively innocent appearance, Kasumi-senpai’s gaze met mine.
She called out “junior” to me with her lips and smiled while blushing.
Kasumi-senpai was one of the heroines I met early on after possessing this body.
Honestly, I only intended to manipulate Kasumi-senpai through her weaknesses, and I did just that.
But, typical of a kind light novel world, she unexpectedly fell for me.
Or perhaps it was ever since I promised to save her during our first meeting.
In either case, since I ultimately saved her, it’s only right for me to take responsibility.
Her calling me “junior” doesn’t bother me that much anymore.
Her airy, somewhat dizzying speech from our first encounter also doesn’t seem so bad now.
Every aspect of her is charming.
So I will definitely take care of Kasumi-senpai till the end.
“Yes! I will be your junior’s wife, for sure! Hehe…”
Kasumi-senpai blushed as she fidgeted with her fingers.
“Miss Saionji Aris, will you take Groom Kim Deok-Sung, to love him, to respect the other wives, and to spend your life together in happiness or sorrow, in pain or joy, until your black hair turns white?”
The Black Prince’s officiating voice echoed in my ears.
In my sight, Aris came into view.
Her shining silver hair glimmered in the sunlight, and her alluring mysterious eyes gazed at me, framed by her beautiful fair skin and model-like tall figure.
Aris’s eyes met mine while she wore a white wedding dress and blushed, turning her gaze away.
Saionji Aris.
She was the only heroine I had loved as my favorite character even before the possession.
After the possession, I had no ill feelings toward her.
In fact, Aris was one of the heroines who helped me the most, just like Olivia.
She was a semi-heroine.
Had it not been for my special training with Aris, I would have simply thought about wanting to coast through life, and I would have already met a tragic end in a battle against a villain.
Thanks to the training with her, I was able to triumph over the 13 Apostles of the League, the Four Horsemen, and ultimately the Messiah.
But during the cultural festival, I realized something.
Aris isn’t that different from any other girl her age.
What may seem trivial to me was actually a serious concern for Aris.
So I made a resolution.
I would take full responsibility.
From that point on, Aris became my heroine too.
Her alluring silver eyes, her radiant silver hair, her intellectual and cool demeanor, and how she slipped into her dialect when flustered—all of it belongs to me.
So Aris is also my favorite character, no, the person I love.
“I swear.”
Aris said calmly, but with a slight tremor in her voice.
Her pale cheeks flushed pink.
“Does Bride Mayuzumi Mayu take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Mayu-sensei, or rather, Mayu, was there.
The impression of a beautiful girl with bright pink hair and an impressive bust, accentuated even in anime by its size, shifted her gaze towards me and the Black Prince.
Mayuzumi-sensei.
The scene from the school field trip where she sacrificed herself for the students was still fresh in my memory.
This damn light novel world is in deep trouble since everyone is such a fool.
Mayu, who scolded herself for being a single woman at the age of 24, was not a single woman at all—she was also my precious heroine.
“Yes! Mayu swears too!”
Mayuzumi replied energetically with a smile.
“Does Bride Satou Rena take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Satou Rena appeared.
A fragily beautiful girl with greenish hair and greenish eyes, a friend of Senior Kasumi, and the girl I saved during the Kyoto training trip.
Though she just recently joined the harem, since she is a friend of Senior Kasumi and one I must take responsibility for, she too was a precious wife.
“Yes, I swear.”
I heard Rena’s voice.
“Does Bride Wilhelmina Heisenberg take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Next up was Wilhelmina.
The beautiful girl with ivory hair and golden eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
Wilhelmina, blushing in her pure white wedding dress, was visible.
The Undertaker, Mark William Callaway.
She was the last heroine to appear in the original story, a friend of the Black Prince and Seira, and a benefactor who healed both Aris’s mother and my mother.
Thanks to her, our mothers were freed from the ravaging disease.
But that’s not all.
She was also a core researcher in developing the two-way gate alongside Beatrice and Saori.
Without her, there might not have been a two-way gate at all.
At first, I approached her using her Immortal Heart, and our relationship was a deal, but now I genuinely liked her.
Wilhelmina, who made eye contact with me, looked startled.
That look was cute too.
“…Y-yes… I swear…”
Wilhelmina spoke in a tiny voice.
“Does Bride Yoshizaki Seira take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
With the Black Prince’s voice, Yoshizaki Seira smiled alluringly.
Her snow-white wedding dress perfectly complemented her white hair and ruby-like red eyes.
Yoshizaki Seira.
Without her assistance, the academy’s principal, I would not have survived.
Whenever there was a crisis, she always put everything aside to help me.
To me, Seira, along with Olivia and Aris, was the heroine who helped me the most.
At first, I was a bit hesitant, but now that I know her true feelings, it’s perfectly fine.
I now liked Seira.
Just like the other heroines.
Seira smiled and said, looking directly at me.
“Of course, I swear.”
Seira smirked with a relaxed expression.
“Does Bride Beatrice take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
This time it was Beatrice. The bright yellow blonde with a bandage that she still hadn’t shaken off was strikingly visible in her wedding dress.
Beatrice.
Saintess of the Cult.
I also owed her a debt as a core researcher in the two-way gate research project and a friend of Evangelin.
Moreover, while she acted aloof like a typical chuunibyou, her actual clumsy personality was charming.
Even now, when our eyes met, her flinching was a delightful touch.
Beatrice was also my bride.
“Of course! As a partner of the Saintess of Crimson Lotus, I should rightly be a Messiah. Hu hu hu hu.”
Beatrice confidently declared her chuunibyou line.
“Does Bride Evangelin Stewart take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
The next line from the Black Prince directed towards Evangelin.
The gentle and busty beauty with abundant pink twin tails cascading to her waist sparkled her pink eyes as she beamed a bright smile.
Evangelin Stewart.
In the original, she was a minor character, often overshadowed by Olivia.
But the real Evangelin was not a minor character or a copy of someone else, but a living person.
She had a strange way of speaking, but she was a good person, and most importantly, I still had a debt of gratitude towards her for selflessly sacrificing herself to protect me, even though we hadn’t known each other.
How could I not like someone like that?
Evangelin was certainly someone I had to take responsibility for, someone I loved.
“Hawawawa. Of course!”
Evangelin answered in her characteristic lively voice.
“Does Bride Bella take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
I saw Bella in a wedding dress instead of her maid outfit.
She still had her usual expressionless yet slightly tense face.
Olivia’s dedicated maid, who still called me her master’s master, was still an odd yet endearing title, but she was also my precious wife.
Her expressionless face was also charming.
Had she not helped me a few times at the beginning of my possession, I would not have survived various crises.
“I swear to serve my master’s master for a lifetime.”
Bella swore while smiling faintly.
What does it even mean to serve for a lifetime?
That’s ridiculous.
“Does Bride Han Seo-Jin take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Next was Han Seo-Jin.
I could see her gray bob.
Han Seo-Jin.
She was the heroine who had helped me the most, even though she had never been in the original.
If it weren’t for her and the backup from Korea, I would have had a tough time.
Moreover, she was the one who provided legal grounds for my declaration of taking responsibility for everyone through the harem plan.
Always handling everything meticulously and being an efficient secretary, her contrast of fumbling when showing affection was adorable—I liked Han Seo-Jin.
Although she would deny it now, Han Seo-Jin was undeniably one of my wives.
“…I swear.”
Han Seo-Jin said with a slightly trembling voice.
Her face was slightly flushed.
“Does Bride Yoo Se-Ra take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Next was Yoo Se-Ra.
Like a K-Pop idol, she was a beauty with impressive Koto beige hair, staring at me in her white wedding dress.
Back when I was constantly linked with her in the national pride YouTube realm, I never thought we’d be entwined in an actual connection.
But just like Seo-Jin, Yoo Se-Ra had also done many things for me as the board chair without me knowing.
Now, she was also an invaluable heroine I could no longer do without.
“Yes! I will swear!”
Yoo Se-Ra answered brightly, her voice full of enthusiasm.
“Does Bride Ishihara Shiori take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
I could see Ishihara Saori with her hair neatly arranged in red unlike usual.
Ishihara Saori. The younger sister of Ishihara Daiki and a super-genius scientist. Without her, not only would the two-way gate not exist, but Earth-2’s technological civilization wouldn’t have advanced to a sci-fi level.
In some ways, you could say Saori was my true benefactor.
When we first met, I was taken aback since she claimed to be my fan, but now I’m used to it, and it’s fine.
Besides, contrary to her belief that she lacks charm, Saori is quite an attractive beautiful girl.
She too was a bride I vowed my love to.
For reference, she no longer wears glasses.
“Yes! I-I swear…”
Saori said in a trembling voice.
A cute smile appeared on her lips.
“Does Bride Kurosawa Haru take Mr. Kim Deok-Sung as her husband to love him in joy and sorrow, in hardship and happiness, until his black hair turns gray, respecting other wives and spending her life together with him?”
Finally, it was Kurosawa Haru’s turn.
Our eyes met.
She winked at me playfully, her black hair tied in a side tail with the tips dyed red, her red eyes glimmering.
Kurosawa Haru.
The original protagonist and now a friend, also the younger sister of Kurosawa Yuji, who first discovered all my secrets.
Yet, despite uncovering my secrets, she kept it to herself and stayed by my side, truly liking me even after knowing everything.
At the same time, she had the most dizzying way of speaking, yet that made her all the more adorable, rendering her one of my most precious brides.
She was one of the precious brides.
Haru laughed.
“Nishishishi. Of course! I decided I would be Deok-Sung oppa’s super-cute gal bride since the day I was born!”
Haru shrugged her shoulders as she spoke.
“Shinrak Kim Deok-Sung and bride Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Shinazaki Rin, Nishizawa Eri, Kamiya Makoto, Hoshino Kasumi, Saionji Aris, Mayuzumi Mayu, Satou Rena, Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Yoshizaki Seira, Beatrice, Evangelin Stewart, Bella, Han Seo-Jin, Yoo Se-Ra, Ishihara Saori, and Kurosawa Haru have firmly sworn to become a couple who will share joys and sorrows for life among the leaders of the Human Alliance and their families, as well as all citizens of the Human Alliance.”
With that, the Black Prince Raul Napoleon Bonaparte solemnly declared that this marriage had been completed in front of all citizens of the Human Alliance. “Thank you to all the citizens of the Human Alliance who acted as witnesses.”
The Black Prince spoke solemnly.
At that moment, cheers erupted, and fireworks adorned the blue sky.
The aerial acrobatics of fighter jets were just a bonus.
In my view were the 17 heroines all smiling at me.
Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Shinazaki Rin, Nishizawa Eri, Kamiya Makoto, Hoshino Kasumi, Saionji Aris, Mayuzumi Mayu, Satou Rena, Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Yoshizaki Seira, Beatrice, Evangelin Stewart, Bella, Han Seo-Jin, Yoo Se-Ra, Ishihara Saori, and Kurosawa Haru.
Everyone in wedding dresses was looking at me and smiling.
I greeted my parents, who were looking at me with teary eyes alongside all acquaintances and guests.
Thunderous applause and cheers filled the plaza.
“Next, the great leader of the Human Alliance, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung’s coronation will be held at the Human Alliance Palace.”
With Yuji’s words, a ceremonial sedan arrived at the front.
It was the private car that would take me to the palace.
I quietly boarded the car, and it soon departed.
“Kyaah!”
“Long live Kim Deok-Sung!”
“Long live Your Majesty!”
The sight of the crowd crying and going wild passed by the window.
So, after passing through the plaza, we arrived at the palace.
There was a red carpet laid in the shape of a pyramid, boasting a height far greater than any skyscraper.
Unlike the plaza, there was not a single soul around the palace, except for a few quietly filming reporters.
I walked along the red carpet.
The seventeen heroines who arrived in the car followed me.
Thus, after passing through the main gate of the palace, we arrived at the gigantic Grand Hall adorned with chandeliers and various pieces of art.
There were heads of state from all countries of the Human Alliance, including Shinazaki Ichiro, influential figures representing various sectors, my friends Kurosawa Yuji and Ishihara Daiki,
And finally, the Black Prince who would oversee the coronation.
“Hartner. Come here.”
The Black Prince smiled.
I slowly walked down the red carpet and kneeled in front of him.
“My partner has grown a lot. You’ve done what this Black Prince couldn’t even do, becoming the emperor.”
The Black Prince joked, smiling as he placed a jewel-adorned golden crown atop my head.
“Now, partner, you’re officially the emperor of the Human Alliance. Do well.”
Although I was just a puppet emperor with no real power, an emperor was still an emperor.
I can’t believe I’m an emperor.
It still didn’t feel real.
The Black Prince gently patted my shoulder, bowing his head slightly in respect.
Behind him was an ornate table displaying the charter of the Human Alliance.
I approached the table, placed my hand on the charter, and recited the oath I had memorized.
“I pledge. As the emperor of the Human Alliance, I solemnly swear in front of the citizens of the Human Alliance that I will uphold the charter and protect the Alliance and all citizens while faithfully fulfilling my duties as emperor.”
As soon as my words ended, applause erupted like thunder in the magnificent hall.
Along with it, the orchestra began to play music.
[The coronation committee at the Human Alliance Palace has finally approved the ascension of His Majesty Kim Deok-Sung as Emperor.]
[At last, the great leader Kim Deok-Sung has ascended to the throne of the Human Alliance.]
[As the people of Earth-2 witnessed His Majesty’s ascension, cheers and tears overflowed in the streets.]
[Earth-1 maintained a relatively quiet atmosphere, but the festive spirit has reached here as well.]
[The scene in the special city of Kim Deok-Sung feels even hotter. It already feels like His Majesty’s grace is being conveyed.]
[In celebration of His Majesty’s coronation… ]
News celebrating the ascension was playing on a monitor set up in one corner of the palace.
What I saw on the news was a sight to behold.
In Earth-1, citizens were already fainting while waving portraits of my face.
From Korea to Japan, the United States, Soviet Union, Europe, Britain, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and South America, everyone around the world was ecstatic, shouting “Long live Emperor Kim Deok-Sung!”
Statues of me erected in various parts of the world were just the icing on the cake.
It was madness.
It sent chills down my spine.
Not just Earth-2.
Even in pioneering urban centers established on colonized planets, including Alpha Centauri, Mars, and the Black Kingdom, plazas and statues named after me were already everywhere.
Even in pioneer planets, everyone was calling my name and celebrating.
Although not as vigorous as Earth-2, supporters on Earth-1 were also marching and celebrating loudly.
Was this really okay for the future of the Human Alliance?
“Thus, I conclude the coronation ceremony.”
With Yuji’s final words, the ceremony came to an end.
“Hey you! Now that I’m officially your wife, of course, our first child will be with me, Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, right?!”
I heard a familiar voice.
It was Olivia.
She blushed, shouting at me.
First child?!
What a surprise immediately after the emperor’s coronation!
Just when the solemn atmosphere was shattered, and I was at a loss for words.
“Bonaparte, what are you talking about? Isn’t it obvious that Kim Deok-Sung’s first child should be mine, the perfect wife?!”
Rin glared at Eri coldly as she said this.
We just had a wedding!
And now I’ve become an emperor, and yet this is…
Just as I thought that.
“Hey! Eri-ring is going to make the first move! Master! Let’s make a baby! Eri-ring can do it anytime, anywhere, if you want!”
Thud.
Eri, in her wedding dress, jumped on me without warning.
She playfully smiled while fiddling with the collar around her neck.
This is absurd.
Can’t you pick the time and place a little?
Roll…
The crown that had been placed on my head tumbled to the floor of the Grand Hall.
“Wait! Eri-chan! Cutting in line is against the rules! I can’t forgive you even if you’re Eri-chan!”
Following her, Makoto jumped onto me.
This pattern seems oddly familiar.
Just when I felt a sense of déjà vu.
“Eri-ring! Makoppi! Both of you step aside! The first child should obviously belong to Haru, the super cute gal bride! Nishishishishi!”
Always full of energy, Kurosawa Haru chimed in.
“Hawawawawa! The girl can’t be outdone! The girl also wants to have Kim Deok-Sung’s child…”
The British princess, Evangelin Stewart, covered her mouth with her hands while jumping on me.
“Honey! Surely, you aren’t going to choose anyone other than me, the Saintess of the Red Lotus, right? Who else but me would be worthy to be the mother of the crown prince?”
Beatrice proudly declared in her typical middle-school demeanor, her face turning beet-red.
“Hey kid! I too… I want to have your child…”
Yoshizaki Seira pretended to shyly show her intentions.
“I won’t… lose either…”
Wilhelmina Heisenberg blushed further from behind.
“Sensei too! Sensei also wants to have Mr. Kim’s child…”
Mayuzumi Mayu said cheerfully.
“Junior… Though you’re a bad husband… I still want your child…”
Hoshino Kasumi blushed slightly.
“Are others afraid that Lena will be the first to get pregnant?”
Satou Rena interjected beside Kasumi senpai.
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung! You won’t just leave me out, right? I also want to have your child along with Seo-Jin!”
“…Well, I don’t mind if it’s with Eri, just… later is fine…”
U-Se-Ra spoke confidently, contrasting sharply with the bashful Han Seo-Jin.
“Master’s master. Young lady, please choose me next.”
Bella’s soft voice chimed in.
“Duk-Sung-chan! I also want to make babies with Duk-Sung-chan!”
Saori suddenly jumped in.
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung, didn’t I say you’re my favorite character? So of course, I should go first, right?!”
Aris, flustered and blushing, exclaimed with a regional accent.
Seventeen wives gazed at me simultaneously.
They looked at me, gathered around, and asked.
“””””””””””””””””Who will you choose?!”””””””””””””””””
Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, Shinazaki Rin, Nishizawa Eri, Kamiya Makoto, Hoshino Kasumi, Saionji Aris, Mayuzumi Mayu, Satou Rena, Wilhelmina Heisenberg, Yoshizaki Seira, Beatrice, Evangelin Stewart, Bella, Han Seo-Jin, Yoo Se-Ra, Ishihara Saori, and Kurosawa Haru.
The collective shout of my seventeen brides shook my brain.
Seeing that, a smile formed on my lips.
At that moment, I burst into laughter.
Now, finally, I laughed.
Now, it felt real.
I may not fully grasp the emperor thing, but unfurling into this ludicrous yet simultaneously desired scene of competitive ‘first child’ among the heroines—something I had always despised but loved at the same time, a perfect Light Novel cliché—was exactly the innocent future I had wished for, with no one getting hurt.
February 15.
After defeating the Messiah, graduating from the academy, opening the two-way gate, treating my mother, and reuniting with my parents, I had finally realized my responsibility through marrying everyone and reached a gentle epilogue where no one gets hurt, just like in a Light Novel.
Reflecting back on reaching the True Ending and the future that lies ahead,
I finally began to like this absurdly sweet Light Novel world—
After witnessing the ending I had found, I gradually started to appreciate it.
I thought of that as I was buried under their physical assault, smiling brightly.
At that moment.
Shshshsh, snap.
I could hear the sound of a camera clicking through the chaos.
Who installed such a thing in the palace…?
No, that’s fine.
I’ve gotten used to it.
Yes.
This is how a sweet Light Novel should be.
[The End]
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